An urgent murder probe has been launched after human remains were found at a recycling plant in Hartlepool.
Cleveland Police were called to the plant at Tofts Farm Industrial Estate on Sunday at 11.40am after employees found a number of bones.
Specialists examined the bones and confirmed that they were human.
Further tests are now being carried out to find out who they belong to and how they ended up at the plant, a Biffa Waste Management site.
Biffa Waste Management site at Tofts Farm Industrial Estate
Google Street View
The force said the investigation was “extremely complex and sensitive due to the circumstances in which the remains were found”.
A Cleveland Police spokesperson said: “At 11.40am on Sunday, March 30, police were called to the recycling plant at Tofts Farm Industrial Estate.
“A number of bones had been located by employees working at the plant and a cordon was put in place by police.
“Following examination by specialists, the remains were confirmed as being human and since then a police investigation has been underway.”
Chris Pringle, from Cleveland Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team (HMET), added: “We have a dedicated team of detectives and officers from departments across the force working at pace and conducting the investigation expeditiously to identify the remains, however this will take a considerable amount of time.
“There are numerous procedures to follow to identify the remains and to establish the circumstances surrounding how they came to be at the recycling plant.
“I understand how concerning this will be for those living within our community and the wider public.
Biffa Waste Management site at Tofts Farm Industrial Estate
Google Street View
“I know there will be families who have missing loved ones and worried about the remains, and I want to reassure you that if any relevant information comes to light, we will be in touch.”
The plant remains closed whilst a scene examination takes place.
A Biffa spokesperson told The Independent: “Police were called after remains were found at the plant on Sunday, March 30. We are unable to comment on the investigation and the site remains closed until further notice.”